Innovation Ioannina 1.0: Epirus Introduces its Innovation Ecosystem – PRAXI Network’s Review
Three Days of Dialogue, Outreach and Collaboration
With significant participation from the research and business community, the “Innovation Ioannina 1.0: AI the day after” event concluded successfully in Ioannina on 13–15 November 2025. PRAXI Network / FORTH participated actively as co-organiser, contributing to the development of a three-day programme of dialogue and networking focused on the role of Artificial Intelligence and its prospects for research, entrepreneurship and regional development.
During the three days, visits were organised to the laboratories of the University of Ioannina and the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IBE–FORTH), where research teams presented their work and discussed with investors and business representatives the possibilities of exploiting their results. The direct interaction between researchers and the market highlighted the importance of systematic collaboration in strengthening innovation in the region.
“Research must reach society”
Equally important was the statement made by the Rector of the University of Ioannina, Anna Batistatou, who, during a press conference held as part of the event, stressed the need for research output to be utilised for the benefit of society.
“We know that we have excellent laboratories, excellent researchers at the University of Ioannina. They produce high-quality research that we see published in scientific journals. They also educate scientists who in turn excel in their fields. However, we have always observed that our weakness has been that these research results did not ultimately reach where they should — society and its benefit,” she noted.
In this context, the Rector referred to the joint initiative that has been operating for the past two years between the University of Ioannina, the Foundation for Research and Technology–Hellas (FORTH), the PRAXI Network, the Institute of Biomedical Research, and the Region of Epirus. This collaboration, now fully underway, aims to bridge the gap between research activity and its application in the real economy.
The role of PRAXI Network in knowledge transfer and connectivity
PRAXI Network / FORTH played a key role in connecting research teams with the business and investment community, facilitating meetings, knowledge exchange and the exploration of potential partnerships. Its role as Greece’s national technology transfer hub was highlighted through its substantial contribution to the discussions that took place during the event.
At the panel discussion titled “Institutional actors, local initiatives and AI”, Dr. Konstantinos Vavekis, Head of Technical Operations of PRAXI Network, showcased the Network’s work in technology transfer, linking research with the market, and supporting research teams and start-ups working on mature technologies with commercialisation potential.
The panel also included representatives of the University of Ioannina, the Technology Transfer Office, the Epirus Science and Technology Park and the Hellenic Parliament, presenting the institutional framework supporting the region’s innovation ecosystem.
Epirus as an emerging innovation hub
The conference attracted significant interest, confirming Epirus’ growing position as an emerging hub of innovation and technology. The discussions and interactions throughout the three days highlighted the region’s potential, the importance of continued collaboration among research institutions, public stakeholders and the business community, as well as the prospects for further development in the coming years.
With the conclusion of Innovation Ioannina 1.0, the PRAXI Network / FORTH reaffirmed its role as a catalyst for linking research with the real economy. The event left a strong mark on the local community, strengthening partnerships and opening new opportunities for research groups and start-ups across Epirus.
The conference was held under the auspices of the Region of Epirus and the Municipality of Ioannina. It was co-organised by the NBG Business Seeds programme of the National Bank of Greece, the University of Ioannina, the PRAXI Network / FORTH, the Ioannina Chamber of Commerce, Uni.fund, Metavallon, L-Stone Capital, the Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce and Bayer Hellas, and implemented as part of the SmartAttica EDIH initiatives.
The PRAXI Network continues to support initiatives that foster innovation and contribute to building a strong and sustainable development ecosystem for the region.
